1. ULFA-I, led by Paresh Baruah, skipped the peace accord signing on December 29.
2. The militant group is open to dialogue if the agenda includes discussing the restoration of the state’s sovereignty.
3. Paresh Baruah emphasized the importance of discussing the core issue within the constitutional framework.
Guwahati, Dec 31: The banned militant group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), led by Paresh Baruah, which abstained from the historic peace accord signing ceremony on December 29, expressed openness to dialogue with the government if the restoration of the state’s sovereignty becomes the agenda for discussion.
Paresh Baruah, in statements to various media outlets in Assam on December 30, emphasized that he neither supports nor opposes the tripartite agreement.
He stated, “We are open to discussion, keeping in mind the history and principles of the state. There is no problem discussing our core issue. Just discussing our core issue will not mean that it is against the Constitution of India. Discussion of the issue should not scare anyone.”
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In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism that the peace accord would encourage the anti-talk faction to engage in discussions.
On December 29, 2023, a significant step toward peace was taken in Assam as the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a historic peace accord with the Indian government.
The ceremony, attended by India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marked the culmination of 12 years of negotiations aimed at ending decades of insurgency in the northeastern state.
Despite the peace accord, lasting peace remains uncertain due to the stance of the ULFA (Independent) faction led by Paresh Baruah. Baruah, born on February 15, 1957, in Chabua, Assam, chairs and commands ULFA(I).
He has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the government but insists that the issue of Assam’s sovereignty must be on the table. Baruah believes that such discussions are within the constitutional framework and are essential in a democracy.
The peace pact includes a financial package, measures for scrutinizing the citizenship list to address illegal immigration, land reservation policies, and rights for indigenous communities.
It also promises political, economic, and cultural safeguards for these communities. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the agreement without the involvement of Baruah’s faction, which continues to advocate for Assam’s sovereignty.
As the government celebrates this milestone, attention now turns to the possibility of engaging with Paresh Baruah and his faction to achieve comprehensive peace in Assam.
